Doisy Daëne 2009

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Tasting Notes

The 2009 Doisy-Daene was spectacular out of barrel, however it has never quite reached those ethereal heights in bottle. Perhaps this rich, generous vintage did not quite suit the crisp, tense style of Denis Dubourdieu's Barsac? Compared to others in this blind tasting, it comes across as more muted on the nose with scents of beeswax, marmalade and lanolin, though the Sauvignon Blanc is very expressive. The palate is very well-balanced on the entry with crisp acidity cutting through the viscous texture. The finish is rounded in the mouth, offering attractive notes of lemon sherbet and orange essence. Everything is very "contained" at the moment, although the tension suggests that it should age well. I suspect this will need a decade before it really blossoms. Drink 2020-2040.

Score: 94+

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate (205), March 2013

Denis Dubourdieu has provided one of the genuine stars of the vintage with the Chateau Doisy-Daene, two, if you count his Extravagance. This has a very fragrant nose with apple blossom, lime leaf and a touch of honey. Very fresh and lifted...spring-like. The palate is very well balanced, not a powerful Sauternes but ethereally poised and focused, skipping blithely to an animated pear, honeysuckle and apricot finish. Very pretty, very complete and very outstanding.

Score: 96/98

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate (188), April 2010

Intense aromas of dried citrus fruit and honey follow through to a full body. Medium sweet, thick and layered, with sliced cooked apple notes and a delicate spicy finish.

Score: 90/93

James Suckling, WineSpectator.com, April 2010

Streak of green to the pale gold. Rich, lip-smacking and satisfying on the nose. Very big and bold, like pear juice fermented by a wizard. Lovely stuff. Lots of bracing structure as well as all the richness. Very long. Date tasted 29th March 2010. Drink 2018-2035.

Score: 18

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, April 2010

Floral, elderflower, sherbet lemon with a little touch of butter and Demerara sugar. The acidity isn't zesty but does manage to balance the wine. Touches of botrytis.

Score: 16.5

Farr Vintners, April 2010

The fleshiness of super ripe fruit enriches the nose and gives a sensuous lushness on the palate. The fleshy fruit is enhanced by caramelized orange and lemon refreshed by lime and given spice by Noble Rot. The back palate is long rich yet racy. Drink 2025-2050.

Score: 91/95

Derek Smedley MW, April 2010

The proportion of Sauvignon Blanc is much higher in 2009 - it's normally closer to 5% - but it's added an extra dimension to Denis Dubourdieu's fine wine. The sweetness (150 grams) and 14% alcohol are balanced by grapefruity, almost thiol-like notes. This is fresh and tangy with a hint of crème brûlée, well handled oak and a finish that lingers on the palate. 10+ years.

Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.